At age 30, Ruben Gotay isn't the typical minor-leaguer. But the former Royal and current Springfield Cardinal has turned in an all-star season.

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He broke into a smile almost the second he leaned against a wall just outside the clubhouse. This was the other day for 30-year-old former - and still-hopeful - big-leaguer Ruben Gotay.

The so-called youngins on the Springfield Cardinals have razzed him all season, some days calling him "Grandpa," or other days calling him, "old man."

"I don't have any kids of my own, but I've got those kids in that locker room. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys," Gotay said. "We have a good time on and off the field. All I'm trying to do is help those guys. ...